Could she be growing restless because I haven’t helped her yet?
“Well, that went considerably better than I expected,” Wade says, sliding his backpack over his shoulder and walking over to me.
I blink up at him. “Huh?”
“You know, the presentation we just did not more than fifteen minutes ago. On the Fates…” he says, chuckling. “Ring any bells?”
“Oh, yeah. Right?” I say, nodding and scooting out from my desk. “Sorry, I was just so relieved to be done, I kinda zoned out the rest.”
That part is true. At least now my forced togetherness with him has come to a close. Maybe now I can spend some time trying to sort out my brain.
“Funnily enough, I did notice you were off in another land.” He grins, then winks in one of his trademark moves that still sends my heart racing. “Where were you just now, anyway?”
I sigh heavily, walking out of the classroom with him in tow. “I don’t know. Home stuff, I guess.”
“Everything okay? You haven’t had any more ghost attacks or anything, have you?” he says, alarm flushing his features.
“No, not really…”
He arches an eyebrow.
“Well, I mean, my backpack did a disappearing act last night. Then reappeared in my bedroom. So, I guess there’s that,” I say, making a face.
“Nothing else, though? No more explosions or…”
I shake my head. “No, nothing like that.”
“Good,” he says, exhaling loudly.
“It’s just been…tense. My dad’s supposed to be back sometime today, though. So, I’m going to drill him about what’s been going on. With any luck, I’ll finally get some answers.”
“Need any backup?” Wade says, his eyebrows knitting together.
I shoot him a sideways glance as we turn down the hallway leading to the commons area. “No, I’m pretty sure I can handle my dad.”
With everything going on, part of me wishes I could just give in to what he wants and say screw it all. As much as I love him, and I really do—I don’t want him throwing his life away for me.
Walking up to one of the large, plush chairs, I set my backpack down and take a seat.
“I bet it will be a relief to finally get some answers,” Wade says, dropping into the chair beside me.
I scratch at my temple. “It all depends on how many answers I can actually get out of him.”
“Good point. Well, the offer still stands. I know how intimidating it can be to talk to a dad,” Wade says, smirking sheepishly. “Plus, I’d still love to finally get to meet the guy.”
My eyebrows flick upward and my lips tug down. “Oh, right. You never got to meet him…”
Instantly, my heart constricts and a wave of guilt rolls through me. For as many times as Wade’s been at the manor, my dad’s been MIA. While it would have been nice to introduce them, now it just sorta feels…awkward.
Wade shoots me a sideways grin. “So, what do ya say?”
I scrunch my face. “I dunno…”
“Come on, Autumn. You can just introduce me as a friend,” he says, frowning. His eyes reflect that aura of hurt just bubbling under the surface, but he holds it together pretty well. “I mean, that’s what’s holding you back, right?”
“Wade…” I begin, trying to sound reasonable.
He swipes away my comment with a stroke of his hand. “Nah, it is what it is right now. I get it.”
I chew on the side of my cheek. He gives me the puppy dog pout and I can’t help but crack. “Fine. But just for a little while. Okay?”
He tips his head. “Deal. Wanna head out now and see if he’s there?”
I shrug. “I suppose.”
“Okay, go home and check. If he’s there, text me and I’ll meet ya. I’m gonna swing by my place and change quick.”
My gaze follows the length of his body. He’s wearing ripped up jeans, a black Pink Floyd t-shirt and his leather jacket. Nothing too crazy.
“Why do you need to change?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
His dark eyebrows furrow and his silver eyes glimmer. “You let me worry about all that. I’m not gonna show up looking like a ragtag misfit or something.”
“He’s not gonna care—”
“Shhhh. Just go with it and let me do my thing,” he says, holding a hand out in front of him.
I snicker to myself and stand up. “If you say so.”
He grins broadly. “See ya in about an hour?”
I tip my head, hiking my backpack up over my shoulder. “If he’s there, yes.” I turn around and walk out, not wanting him to see the panic welling up inside me.
Butterflies tussle around in my stomach and I can’t help but curse myself under my breath. I should have said no. I should have stood my ground to keep my distance. Every time we have to get together it makes it harder to remember why we should be apart in the first place.
Why can’t I just say no to him?
The entire drive home is an escapade in testing my resolve.
I wonder whether or not I should I text Wade back, saying my dad isn’t there. Would he come over anyway? Surely he wouldn’t… Then again, would it be so wrong to have Dad meet someone who’s been a big part of my life? Besides, Wade’s sort of right. I could use another set of ears when I ask Dad about the house, the hauntings, and Abigail.
By the time I reach the manor, I’ve settled on letting Wade come over…as long as Dad is home. Nothing could go wrong there, right? Especially if I stick to the plan and get him out of the house after we find some answers.
When I open the front door, there’s nothing immediately evident, pointing me toward whether or not he’s home. The house remains as calm as ever.
“Dad?” I call out, glancing around the entryway. The large grandfather clock ticks loudly,
